What is a Pulled Back Muscle?
A Pulled back muscle is an injury to your back muscle due to overstretching or tearing of a ligament. A Pulled back muscle or back strain can happen suddenly or overtime. Most people are susceptible to back sprains, especially if they’re physically active. Sports like tennis, running, and rowing can all cause strains. Sudden inflammation in the affected area could mean a damaged nerve.
The pain from a pulled back muscle, or back strain can range from a slight ache to debilitating, acute pain. The pain will likely located in the lower back and unlikely to radiate down the leg like sciatica. It may be sore to the touch but may also extend to the buttocks, upper legs, or the back of the thigh. In severe cases, the pain may increase and become worse when you bend, overstretch, or cough.
The pain from a pulled back muscle is typically mild and will subside after a day or two. Those suffering from severe pain should see a doctor immediately. If the muscle is already strained, you may want to rest for several days to prevent it from returning. Besides avoiding repetitive strain, the signs of a pulled back muscle can indicate a more serious underlying issue.
Signs of Pulled Back Muscle Strain
- Swelling
- Pain or discomfort when touched
- Muscle cramp
- Pain during a specific movement
- Tightness in Muscle
- Relife from pain when you are in layaing postion
- You feel difficult to move
The pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and legs are all symptoms of a pulled back muscle. There will be limited or no movement in the area, and tenderness is one of the primary signs of a pulled-back muscle. The affected area may be swollen and edematous, and it may limit your mobility for some time.
Some of the other signs of a pulled back muscle include pain while moving, it can be difficult to bend or stand, and even walking is painful. If you have difficulty walking, bending, or standing, you may have a pulled-back muscle. muscle.
Causes of Pulled Back Muscle
Various Causes of Pulled Back Muscle are:
- Improper posture during sleeping
- Improper posture during sitting
- When you gain excess weight
- Improper Exercise or weight lifting
- When you fall and hit the ground in an awkward way
- Stressful repeated motion
- Weak back muscle
Treatments for a Pulled Back Muscle
Some of the Pulled Back Muscle strain treatments and home remedies are:
- Take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which will help in reducing the pain and improve mobility.
- Follow the PRICE formula which includes Protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
- P – Protection: Protect the pulled back muscle from further injuries.
- R – Rest: Avoid activities that could increase the pain, such as stretching a strained muscle.
- I – Ice: Regularly ice the muscle to reduce swelling and pain.
- C – Compression: Use a compression wrap or elastic bandage to apply force to the pulled muscle, which will help relieve pain and provide support.
- E – Elevation: Elevating the injured area can help in decreasing swelling.
- Use Massage therapy to increase the circulation of blood and relaxes muscles.
When to Seek Medical Care For a Pulled Back Muscle?
A strained back muscle is usually temporary. However, suppose the pain is severe or is associated with a fever or difficult bowel movements. In that case, it is likely to be a severe health issue, and you should consider Seeking Medical Care For a Pulled Back Muscle. A physician can prescribe the best treatment for your specific condition.
Pulling a back muscle can cause pain that lasts for a day or two. You may want to see your doctor if you have a severe case. This type of muscle injury can lead to severe problems, including loss of sensation in the leg, fever, and abdominal pain. You may also need to rest and try not to repeat the strain to avoid reoccurring.
If you feel pain in your lower back, you should seek immediate medical care. In most cases, a pulled-back muscle takes four to six weeks to recover, and a severe muscle tear may take months to heal. A medical professional can also order diagnostic imaging tests to evaluate the cause of the muscle further. The recovery of a pulled back muscle is facilitated by rest. It is crucial to get the pain under control as soon as possible, as it will only lead to further damage.
Conclusion
A pulled-back muscle is a common injury that can affect anyone’s back. Fortunately, it can be treated relatively easily. After the damage has occurred, the pain will lessen, and the muscle will heal. The recovery period of a pulled-back muscle is typically three to seven days. If the pain continues for a longer duration, it is best to consult with a physical therapist.
Got any questions or need help? Contact us at contact@physioandhealth.com or fill out the form.